Getting all your kit ready for a workout is enough of a faff, but triathlons, open water swims and training weekends take that to a new level. For triathlon there's 3 disciplines each requiring specific gear!
There’s a lot to remember so here’s a handy open water swim and triathlon kit list of what you’ll need to get you through your event:
Open Water Swim and Triathlon Kit List
For the Day
• Transition bag – a handy purpose-built bag, often with specific sections for each discipline
• Warm clothing – for before and after the your event
• Suncream – to protect your skin on the bike and run
• Mobile phone – with lots of people around, it can be easy to lose your friends and family
• Event registration and ID
• Drinks – water and/or nutrition/energy drinks
• Bike pump
• Multi-tool – for any last minute bike adjustments
• Towel
• Post-food food – or some money to get yourself some much-needed post-race nutrition!
For the Swim
• Trisuit – tried and tested prior to event so you know its comfortable. To be worn under your wetsuit and for the full duration of the triathlon.
• Swimwear - If you're not racing a triathlon, but an open water event instead, a comfortable swimwuit or jammers for open water swim, either to wear on its own or under a wetsuit.
• Wetsuit (compulsory in some events, but optional in others so check in advance!) – same as your trisuit, it’s good to make sure you’re used to swimming in your wetsuit
• Goggles
• Spare goggles – just in case! Many triathletes will have a clear pair and a tinted pair for different light conditions
• Swim cap – many events will give you a swim cap but it’s good to bring your own just in case. Lots of triathletes like to double up on caps as it helps to keep goggles in place.
• Anti-chafing balm – to help you get out of your wetsuit in a rush
• Towel – to briefly dry the important bits in triathlon (like your feet!)
• Sandals – for when you’re hanging around before the start of the swim
For the Bike
• Race belt – to attach your number to without making pinholes in your trisuit + handy loops
• Bike – difficult to forget but quite an important bit of kit!
• Helmet – the vast majority of races won’t even let you into the transition zone without a helmet
• Triathlon/Cycling shoes
• Socks (optional)
• Sunglasses – because you’ll want to be able to see where you’re going!
• Bottles – filled with water and/or your chosen sports drink
• Snacks – energy gels, or snacks like jelly babies give you that energy hit when you need it - tried and tested before your event so you know your stomach can handle it
• Spare inner tube(s) – fingers crossed you won’t need them!
• Tools & C02 cannisters – to help fix any dreaded punctures
• Packable jacket – to keep you dry in case it starts to rain
For the Run
• Visor (weather dependent) – or cap
• Running shoes – like with most of your kit, make sure you’ve run in your shoes before race day; you won’t want to be breaking them in on the day!
• Elastic laces – to make transition quicker and easier
• Sunglasses - helps keep bugs and rain out of your eyes.
• A smile – remember, there are usually photographers on the course and at the finish line!
Best of luck and please share any race photos with us on socials (@ZONE3official on Instagram and Facebook)!
